By Rachel Magday

 

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Farmers in Nueva Vizcaya may soon be able to supply their produce directly to institutional buyers in Metro Manila under a proposed partnership between the provincial government and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The initiative was presented during a courtesy call at the office of Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito by officials of the DTI Supply Chain and Logistics Group (DTI-SCLG), led by Undersecretary Jean Pacheco, along with agri-partner Mayani headed by chief executive officer JT Solis, Agro-DigitalPH chief executive officer Henry James Sison, and representatives from FAST Logistics.

The proposal seeks to improve market access for farmers by allowing them to sell directly to supermarkets and other institutional buyers, cutting post-harvest losses and reducing reliance on middlemen.

Also included in the plan is a smart farming platform that would guide planting and harvesting schedules. The system will be implemented in coordination with the Provincial Agriculturist to support data-driven planning and better match farm output with market demand.

Under the proposed arrangement, harvested produce would be brought to e-fulfillment centers for processing, packaging and distribution at fair prices.

The initiative adopts an integrated and circular approach to agricultural production, promoting efficient use of inputs while converting byproducts into compost fertilizer to support sustainability and minimize waste.

The project also includes Mayani’s “Grand Bagsakan Walang Sayang” initiative, the establishment of cold storage facilities, and digitalized systems aimed at strengthening the supply chain and improving logistics.

Gambito expressed support for the proposal, saying it could expand market opportunities for farmers, raise their incomes and lessen risks in production and marketing.

“As long as it is for the benefit of our farmers, I am always supportive of programs like this. This initiative can open more market opportunities for them, help increase their income, and reduce the risks they face in production and marketing,” he said.

The partnership is expected to provide Nueva Vizcaya farmers with a more stable and efficient route for bringing their products to major buyers in the capital.